Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A D2D communication control apparatus comprising: at least one memory storing instructions, and at least one processor configured to execute the instructions to; receive determination information that can be used to determine whether each of a plurality of radio terminals is capable of performing direct communication (device-to-device (D2D) communication) with another radio terminal, the determination information is information on a result of receiving a first discovery signal transmitted from one of the radio terminals by performing D2D communication with another of the plurality of radio terminals; and select, using the determination information between radio terminals that may operate as relay radio terminals, a candidate for a relay radio terminal that relays the communication between one of the plurality of radio terminals and a network, the relay radio terminal candidate transmitting a response signal in response to the first discovery signal and performing cellular communication with the network, wherein the determination information comprises at least one of positional information generated by each of the plurality of radio terminals and reception result information indicating a result of receiving a second discovery signal that each of the plurality of radio terminals has received from another radio terminal, wherein the reception result information comprises at least one of identification information on the radio terminal that has transmitted the second discovery signal, information on the reception power of the second discovery signal, and information on the number of times the second discovery signal has been received, and wherein the at least one processor is further configured to execute the instructions to select the relay radio terminal candidate using information regarding the number of pieces of identification information on the radio terminal that has transmitted the second discovery signal.
This invention relates to a device-to-device (D2D) communication control apparatus designed to improve relay selection in wireless networks. The problem addressed is the efficient selection of relay terminals to facilitate communication between radio terminals and a network, particularly in scenarios where direct network access is limited. The apparatus includes a processor and memory storing instructions to receive determination information from multiple radio terminals, which can be used to assess their D2D communication capabilities. This determination information includes positional data and reception results of discovery signals exchanged between terminals. The reception results may include the transmitting terminal's identification, signal reception power, and the frequency of received signals. The processor uses this data, particularly the number of unique transmitting terminals detected, to select a relay candidate. The selected relay terminal must respond to discovery signals and maintain cellular communication with the network. This approach optimizes relay selection by leveraging signal reception metrics and terminal proximity, enhancing network coverage and reliability in D2D communication scenarios.
2. The D2D communication control apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one processor is further configured to execute the instructions to transmit, to the relay radio terminal candidate selected by the selection means, an indication signal indicating that it is the relay radio terminal candidate.
This invention relates to device-to-device (D2D) communication systems, specifically improving relay selection and communication efficiency in wireless networks. The problem addressed is the need for reliable and efficient relay selection in D2D communications, where direct communication between devices may be hindered by distance, interference, or signal degradation. The apparatus includes at least one processor configured to select a relay radio terminal candidate from multiple candidate devices based on predefined criteria, such as signal strength, channel quality, or device capabilities. Once a candidate is selected, the processor transmits an indication signal to the chosen relay terminal, notifying it of its role as a relay. This signal ensures the relay terminal is aware of its function and can prepare to facilitate communication between other devices. The selection process may involve evaluating multiple factors to optimize performance, such as minimizing latency or maximizing throughput. The apparatus may also include means for monitoring communication quality and dynamically adjusting relay selection as needed. This approach enhances D2D communication reliability by ensuring that the most suitable relay is actively engaged in the communication process.
3. The D2D communication control apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the indication signal comprises information regarding a timing when the response signal is transmitted.
This invention relates to device-to-device (D2D) communication systems, specifically addressing the need for efficient signaling between devices to coordinate direct communication without relying on a central network infrastructure. The apparatus controls D2D communication by generating and transmitting an indication signal to a target device, instructing it to establish a D2D link. The indication signal includes information about the timing for transmitting a response signal, ensuring synchronized communication setup. This timing information helps avoid collisions and ensures proper coordination between devices. The apparatus may also determine whether the target device is within a coverage area of a base station, influencing whether D2D communication is feasible. If the target device is outside the coverage area, the apparatus may transmit the indication signal to facilitate direct communication. The system enhances reliability and efficiency in D2D communication by providing clear timing instructions, reducing the need for repeated signaling and improving resource utilization. This approach is particularly useful in scenarios where network coverage is limited or intermittent, enabling seamless direct communication between devices.
4. The D2D communication control apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein information regarding the timing when the response signal is transmitted comprises at least one of an offset value from the timing when the first discovery signal is received to the timing when the response signal is transmitted and information regarding a subframe number at which transmission of the response signal is permitted.
This invention relates to device-to-device (D2D) communication systems, specifically addressing the control of response signal timing in D2D communication. The problem being solved involves ensuring efficient and synchronized transmission of response signals in D2D networks, where devices communicate directly without relying on a central base station. Uncoordinated response signals can lead to interference, collisions, and inefficient resource utilization. The apparatus controls the timing of response signals transmitted by a first device in response to receiving a discovery signal from a second device. The timing information for the response signal includes at least one of an offset value, which defines the delay between receiving the discovery signal and transmitting the response, or a subframe number indicating the specific subframe in which the response is permitted. This ensures that response signals are transmitted in a structured manner, reducing collisions and improving communication reliability. The apparatus may also determine the transmission timing based on the received discovery signal's characteristics, such as its signal strength or timing, to further optimize resource allocation. By providing clear timing constraints, the invention enhances synchronization and reduces interference in D2D communication networks.
5. The D2D communication control apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one processor is further configured to execute the instructions to select, as the relay radio terminal candidate, a radio terminal that has transmitted the reception result information indicating that the number of pieces of identification information on the radio terminal that has transmitted the second discovery signal is equal to or smaller than a threshold.
Device-to-device (D2D) communication systems enable direct data exchange between nearby radio terminals without relying on a central network infrastructure. A key challenge in such systems is efficiently selecting relay terminals to forward data between terminals that are out of direct communication range. Existing solutions often struggle with identifying optimal relay candidates, leading to inefficient routing and increased latency. This invention addresses the problem by providing a D2D communication control apparatus that improves relay terminal selection. The apparatus includes at least one processor configured to execute instructions to select relay radio terminal candidates based on reception result information. Specifically, the processor evaluates radio terminals that have transmitted reception results indicating the number of unique identifiers (e.g., from other terminals transmitting discovery signals) is below a predefined threshold. This ensures that the selected relay candidates are not overloaded with excessive communication links, thereby optimizing network performance. The apparatus may also determine the number of relay radio terminal candidates based on the number of radio terminals that have transmitted the reception result information, further refining the selection process. By dynamically adjusting relay candidate selection based on network conditions, the invention enhances reliability and efficiency in D2D communication networks.
6. A radio terminal comprising: at least one memory storing instructions, and at least one processor configured to execute the instructions to; receive determination information that can be used to determine whether each of a plurality of other radio terminals is capable of performing device-to-device (D2D) communication with another radio terminal, the determination information is information on a result of receiving a first discovery signal transmitted from one of the radio terminals by performing D2D communication with another of the plurality of radio terminals; and select, using the determination information between radio terminals that may operate as relay radio terminals, a candidate for a relay radio terminal that relays the communication between one of the plurality of radio terminals and a network, the relay radio terminal candidate transmitting a response signal in response to the first discovery signal and performing cellular communication with the network, wherein the determination information comprises at least one of positional information generated by each of the plurality of other radio terminals and reception result information indicating a result of receiving a second discovery signal that each of the plurality of radio terminals has received from a radio terminal, and wherein the reception result information comprises at least one of identification information on the radio terminal that has transmitted the second discovery signal, information on the reception power of the second discovery signal, and information on the number of times the second discovery signal has been received.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically improving device-to-device (D2D) communication and relay selection in cellular networks. The problem addressed is efficiently identifying and selecting relay terminals to enhance communication between devices and a network, particularly in scenarios where direct network access is limited. The system involves a radio terminal that receives determination information from multiple other radio terminals. This information helps assess whether each terminal can perform D2D communication. The determination information includes results from receiving a first discovery signal transmitted by one terminal during D2D communication with another. The terminal then selects a candidate relay terminal based on this information. The relay candidate must respond to the first discovery signal and maintain cellular communication with the network. The determination information includes positional data from each terminal and reception results of a second discovery signal. The reception results may contain the transmitting terminal's identification, the signal's reception power, and the number of times the signal was received. This data helps evaluate the suitability of terminals as relays, ensuring efficient and reliable communication between devices and the network. The system optimizes relay selection by leveraging D2D communication capabilities and signal reception metrics.
7. The radio terminal according to claim 6 , wherein the at least one processor is further configured to execute the instructions to transmit, to the relay radio terminal candidate selected by the selection means, an indication signal indicating that it is the relay radio terminal candidate.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically improving relay selection in device-to-device (D2D) or multi-hop communication networks. The problem addressed is the inefficient selection and confirmation of relay terminals, which can lead to suboptimal communication paths and wasted resources. The invention describes a radio terminal configured to select a relay radio terminal candidate from multiple potential relay devices. The selection is based on evaluating criteria such as signal strength, channel quality, or other performance metrics. Once a candidate is chosen, the terminal transmits an indication signal to confirm its selection. This signal explicitly notifies the selected relay device that it has been chosen, enabling the relay to prepare for data forwarding. The system ensures that only the selected relay is activated, reducing unnecessary power consumption and interference in the network. The invention also includes mechanisms to handle cases where multiple terminals may attempt to select the same relay, ensuring proper coordination. The overall goal is to optimize relay selection and confirmation processes in wireless networks, improving efficiency and reliability in multi-hop communications.
8. The radio terminal according to claim 7 , wherein the indication signal comprises information regarding a timing when the response signal is transmitted.
A radio terminal is configured to receive an indication signal from a base station, where the indication signal includes information about the timing for transmitting a response signal. The radio terminal processes this timing information to determine when to send the response signal back to the base station. This allows the radio terminal to synchronize its transmission with the base station's expectations, improving communication efficiency and reducing interference. The timing information may specify an exact time slot, a delay period, or another reference point for transmission. The radio terminal may adjust its internal clock or transmission schedule based on this information to ensure proper alignment with the base station's operations. This feature is particularly useful in wireless communication systems where precise timing coordination is critical for maintaining reliable data exchange. The radio terminal may also include additional components, such as a receiver for capturing the indication signal and a transmitter for sending the response signal at the specified time. The system ensures that the response signal is transmitted in a manner that minimizes delays and optimizes network performance.
9. The radio terminal according to claim 8 , wherein information regarding the timing when the response signal is transmitted comprises at least one of an offset value from the timing when the first discovery signal is received to the timing when the response signal is transmitted and information regarding a subframe number at which transmission of the response signal is permitted.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically improving the timing of response signals in device-to-device (D2D) or proximity-based communication. The problem addressed is the need for precise timing control in transmitting response signals after receiving a discovery signal, ensuring synchronization and efficient resource utilization in decentralized networks. The invention describes a radio terminal configured to receive a first discovery signal from another device and transmit a response signal in response. The terminal includes a receiver to obtain the discovery signal and a transmitter to send the response signal. The key feature is the inclusion of timing information in the response signal, which specifies when the response signal is transmitted relative to the discovery signal. This timing information can be an offset value indicating the delay between receiving the discovery signal and transmitting the response signal, or it can specify a subframe number where transmission is permitted. This ensures that the response signal is transmitted at an appropriate time, avoiding collisions and maintaining synchronization in the network. The invention also allows for flexible timing adjustments based on network conditions or device capabilities.
10. The radio terminal according to claim 6 , wherein the at least one processor is further configured to execute the instructions to select the relay radio terminal candidate using information regarding the number of pieces of identification information on the radio terminal that has transmitted the second discovery signal.
A radio terminal in a wireless communication system is configured to select a relay radio terminal candidate based on the number of unique identifiers transmitted in a second discovery signal. The system addresses challenges in relay selection by evaluating the quality or reliability of potential relay candidates. The radio terminal receives discovery signals from nearby devices, including a second discovery signal containing identification information from one or more relay candidates. The terminal processes this information to determine the number of unique identifiers present, which indicates the diversity or robustness of the relay candidate. A higher number of identifiers suggests a more reliable or capable relay. The terminal then selects the most suitable relay candidate based on this evaluation, improving communication efficiency and reliability in the network. This method enhances relay selection by leveraging the quantity of identification information as a metric for candidate assessment, ensuring optimal performance in dynamic wireless environments. The terminal's processor executes instructions to perform this selection, integrating the identifier count into the decision-making process. This approach is particularly useful in scenarios where multiple relay options are available, and the system must prioritize the most effective candidate.
11. A relay radio terminal candidate selection method comprising: receiving determination information that can be used to determine whether each of a plurality of radio terminals is capable of performing device-to-device (D2D) communication with another radio terminal, the determination information is information on a result of receiving a first discovery signal transmitted from one of the radio terminals by performing D2D communication with another of the plurality of radio terminals; and selecting, using the determination information between radio terminals that may operate as relay radio terminals, a candidate for a relay radio terminal that relays the communication between one of the plurality of radio terminals and a network, the relay radio terminal candidate transmitting a response signal in response to the first discovery signal and performing cellular communication with the network, wherein the determination information comprises at least one of positional information generated by each of the plurality of radio terminals and reception result information indicating a result of receiving a second discovery signal that each of the plurality of radio terminals has received from another radio terminal, wherein the reception result information comprises at least one of identification information on the radio terminal that has transmitted the second discovery signal, information on the reception power of the second discovery signal, and information on the number of times the second discovery signal has been received.
This invention relates to a method for selecting candidate relay radio terminals in a device-to-device (D2D) communication network. The problem addressed is efficiently identifying suitable relay terminals to facilitate communication between radio terminals and a network, particularly in scenarios where direct network connectivity is limited. The method involves receiving determination information from multiple radio terminals, which helps assess their capability to perform D2D communication. This information includes results from receiving a first discovery signal transmitted by one terminal during D2D communication with another. The determination information may include positional data generated by the terminals or reception result data, such as identification of the transmitting terminal, reception power of a second discovery signal, and the frequency of signal reception. Using this data, the method selects a candidate relay terminal from among potential relay terminals. The selected relay terminal must be capable of transmitting a response signal to the first discovery signal and maintaining cellular communication with the network. The goal is to optimize relay selection based on signal strength, proximity, and communication reliability to enhance network connectivity and performance.
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September 15, 2020
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